How to choose power rake, scarifier, dethatcher, verticutter or power broom for your lawn.

How to choose power rake, scarifier, dethatcher, verticutter or power broom for your lawn.
Products Used in Today's Video
=====================
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Links marked as “PAID LINK” are affiliated. Please make me money and spend yours.
Yard Equipment
🛒 Sun Joe Scarifier and dethatcher (REQUIRES 12Gaugae Extension Cord)
Amazon (PAID LINK): amzn.to/2MPTHQG
🛒 12gauge 100ft extension cord
Amazon (PAID LINK): amzn.to/2MQ7hn3
🛒 Thatch Rake
Amazon (PAID LINK): amzn.to/2MLIctj
🛒 AMS soil probe
Amazon (PAID LINK): amzn.to/2ZMBJQJ
🛒 Greenworks Dethatcher
Amazon (PAID LINK): amzn.to/2LpZkll
Ginja’s Favorite Lawn Products
========================
Fertilizer
🛒 Propeat Fertilizer (Home Depot):
tinyurl.com/vf...
Yard Equipment
🛒 Spyker hand held spreader
Amazon (PAID LINK): amzn.to/3jAMP6V
🛒 Levelawn
Amazon (PAID LINK): amzn.to/31Ry6e9
🛒 Rain Gauge 10 pack
Amazon (PAID LINK): amzn.to/3dWEoQU
🛒 Thermometer (Taylor digital thermometer)
Amazon (PAID LINK): amzn.to/30fvZ7v
🛒 FlowZone Typhoon 2V
Amazon (PAID LINK): amzn.to/3rH6ncR
DoMyOwn (PAID LINK): tinyurl.com/42...
🛒 FlowZone Storm Backpack Sprayer
Amazon (PAID LINK): amzn.to/3aTOeSt
DoMyOwn (PAID LINK): tinyurl.com/53...
🛒 Solo Handheld Sprayer 2 Gallon w/ fan nozzle
Amazon (PAID LINK): amzn.to/2O2ApHy
PLG Affiliate Links
-------------------
Check out my other pages at:
/ pestandlawnginja
/ pest_and_lawn_ginja
/ pestandlawnginja
/ plginja
Sometimes it's hard to identify what to choose between a power rake, scarifier, dethatcher or verticutter (vertical mower, slit slicer)
It all starts by identifying if you have a thatch problem or a lawn debris problem. To identify a thatch problem I use an AMS soil probe. To identify a lawn debris problem I use a thatch rake.
Thatch Rake- removes lawn debris and cultivates soil. Great preperation for an overseed
Soil probe- pulls cores from the ground. Allows you to identify what kind of soil you have, check water saturation levels, and thatch levels.
Once you have identified if you have a debris issue or thatch issue you can choose the correct tools.
For lawn debris:
Use the green works or sun joe dethatcher- these machines use tines designed to remove lawn debris. Very similar to removing dead skin off your body with a pumas stone. It helps increase oxygen flow to the root base. These devices are great for people with cool season grass types.
Power Rake- power rakes traditionally have flails that score the ground at a 50 to 1 ratio. These flails hit the ground super fast and scuffing the dirt and uprooting the loose debris. These machines are great for both cool season and warm season grass types. Perfect for Bermuda and zoysia lawns. I recommend running the power rake for warm season lawns in the spring time when growing is at its peak.
Power Sweeper or Power broom- This machine is the least invasive out of the two above. It has nylon brushes and can sweep just about anything out of a lawn. This machine is far less invasive to the plant and can be run at anytime during the lawns growing season.
Thatching Tools:
Aerator - lawn aeration is great to help loosen compaction from the soil and removing thatch. Its recommended a few times in the year for clay type soils, fall is best. Once in the spring time for sandy soils or warm season grass types.
Vertical mower aka vericutter, vertimower or slit slice seeder- this machine cuts grooves into the soil 1/64" to 1/8" deep. It cuts through the thatch and helps improve oxygen flow, water penetration, removes horizontal stolons, debris and thatch.
Scarifier - The scarifier is similar to the verticutter in the sense that it cuts grooves through the thatch to allow improved oxygen and water transfer into the soil. The differences are the scarifier has less grooves per ft2 and it goes deeper into the soil. Average penetration is .4" deep as opposed to .125 with the verticutter.
Its very important to choose the right tool for the job. If you have any questions or concerns please let me know

[@pestandlawnginja]

Thanks for watching today's video. Check out the description to see the products I used today. If you're looking for the best treatments for your lawn, check out my favorite products: Fertilizer 🛒 Propeat Fertilizer (Home Depot): tinyurl.com/vfmrs480 Yard Equipment 🛒 Sun Joe Scarifier and dethatcher (REQUIRES 12Gaugae Extension Cord) Amazon (PAID LINK): amzn.to/2MPTHQG 🛒 12gauge 100ft extension cord Amazon (PAID LINK): amzn.to/2MQ7hn3 🛒 Thatch Rake Amazon (PAID LINK): tinyurl.com/rimz6luc 🛒 Spyker hand held spreader Amazon (PAID LINK): amzn.to/3jAMP6V 🛒 Levelawn Amazon (PAID LINK): amzn.to/31Ry6e9 🛒 Rain Gauge 10 pack Amazon (PAID LINK): amzn.to/3dWEoQU 🛒 Thermometer (Taylor digital thermometer) Amazon (PAID LINK): amzn.to/30fvZ7v 🛒 FlowZone Typhoon 2V Amazon (PAID LINK): amzn.to/3rH6ncR DoMyOwn (PAID LINK): tinyurl.com/423najqv 🛒 FlowZone Storm Backpack Sprayer Amazon (PAID LINK): amzn.to/3aTOeSt DoMyOwn (PAID LINK): tinyurl.com/53g8qmog 🛒 Solo Handheld Sprayer 2 Gallon w/ fan nozzle Amazon (PAID LINK): amzn.to/2O2ApHy Herbicides for Cool Season Grass 🛒 Speedzone (For hard to kill weeds) Amazon (PAID LINK): amzn.to/2UkBVpC Domyown (PAID LINK): tinyurl.com/y3emhy5a 🛒 T-Zone Herbicide (For hard to do weeds) Amazon (PAID LINK): amzn.to/2ZWLy3L Domyown (PAID LINK): tinyurl.com/y4tqhy3o 🛒 Tenacity (Crabgrass and annual grass control) Amazon (PAID LINK): amzn.to/2L9xzP0 Domyown (PAID LINK): tinyurl.com/y2go983a 🛒 Non-ionic Surfactant (to be purchased with Tenacity) Amazon (PAID LINK): amzn.to/2LduNIk Domyown (PAID LINK): tinyurl.com/y653upkf 🛒 Methylated Seed Oil Duo Stick (Purchase with quinclorac products like drive xlr8) Domyown (PAID LINK): tinyurl.com/yxt5q2zo 🛒 Drive XLR8 Quinclorac (annual grass killer / crabgrass killer) Domyown (PAID LINK): tinyurl.com/48b8jssy Amazon (PAID LINK): amzn.to/2ZWZI4N 🛒 Quinclorac 1.5L (annual grass killer / crabgrass killer) Amazon (PAID LINK): amzn.to/31ywx53 Domyown (PAID LINK): tinyurl.com/m48nud7m Herbicides Warm Season grass types (READ LABEL FOR GRASS TYPE / WEED TARGET) 🛒 Weed Free Zone (general weed killer) Amazon (PAID LINK): amzn.to/3aPRdeB Domyown (PAID LINK): tinyurl.com/4tlraqeq 🛒 Dismiss NXT (annual grass killer) Amazon (PAID LINK): amzn.to/3qbtBaB Domyown (PAID LINK): tinyurl.com/10xoaovn 🛒 Certainty (annual grass killer/crabgrass killer) Amazon (PAID LINK): amzn.to/3d0Lt4c Domyown (PAID LINK): tinyurl.com/14o52u3i Bug Sprays 🛒 Demand CS (Great to control most pests inside and out) Amazon (PAID LINK): amzn.to/2muP9Ue Domyown (PAID LINK): tinyurl.com/v133017a 🛒 Transport mikron (Great for ant control and general pest) Amazon (PAID LINK): amzn.to/2ntfDW8 Domyown (PAID LINK): tinyurl.com/2de4vs6f As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Links marked as “PAID LINK” are affiliated.

[@voidisyinyangvoidisyinyang885]

excellent job on comparing and explaining the tools -

[@BenjaminT.Minkler]

man, out of all the KZbin lawn channels, no one but the Ginja gives near the info; they all just do kinda guess work that only applies to just their own yard ... the Ginja really spells out the knowledge, and at first(sometimes still) it goes alittle over my head, but since subscribing and watching regularly, every time I seem to learn and catch up a bit more - the Ginja rocks! and should have 400k subs, not just 40k

[@pestandlawnginja]

Benjamin! knocking the compliments outta the park! Really appreciate the support. I'm doing my best to simplify all the information. I take everyone's feedback seriously so hopefully it's helping! Thanks again for the support and watching and commenting.

[@joshuaguiles7576]

I NEVER leave comments on videos, but I had to for this. This was full of helpful info and answered questions I didn't even know I had lol. Thank you!

[@pestandlawnginja]

🙌🤩 awesome!

[@DIYDad1]

Those verti cutters/ slit seeders look like they will work very similar to the scarifier on my sunjoe. That sunjoe was one of the best investments I made this year. I wasn’t even planning on buying one but got a good deal on it amazon prime day. No regrets. Core aerated and scarified right before I seeded. I think those deep grooves really helped open up the soil for maximum seed to soil contact. I had kbg germinate in only 8 days, so I think I did something right hopefully! This video was just full of great information. And your delivery of the content is top notch!

[@pestandlawnginja]

Thanks DIY Dad!!!! Glad your loving the sun joe. I completely agree. For the price and ROI nothing beats it.

[@imadish5356]

Hey DIY Dad, do you think your SunJoe is sturdy enough to work in a flat veggie garden? I'm getting one this winter ($ave!) and thinking about using it to work in soil amendments. Cultivators are too much hp for my little patch. Thanks!

[@DIYDad1]

Ima Dish I don’t think the sun joe will dig deep enough to do what you want in a garden. Unless you are just top dressing some compost in, you are only going to get down into the top 1/4 inch of soil with this. So if you need to get deeper you could look into getting a cultivator attachment for a string trimmer. Ryobi makes one that attaches to their 40v cordless electric trimmers and those would be perfect for a small garden. Heck, I’d even maybe look into a hand tool like the Garden Weasel. They just have tines that you roll manually. Might work decent enough. Fiskars 40 to 60-Inch Telescoping Rotary Cultivator www.amazon.com/dp/B007WQBELE/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_bSgBDbQ3ZT79F

[@pestandlawnginja]

Thanks for the great reply diy dad.

[@useazebra]

Wow. Your opening shot is down the street from where I used to live in Lindon. Small world, lol

[@pestandlawnginja]

Crazy!

[@joelthoenen3733]

I got the sun Joe after seeing your review. It was awesome. Loved it so much. I've only used the scarifier option so far. But it helped a lot and I overseeded afterwards and then did a light top dress. Grass is already better only 2 weeks later

[@pestandlawnginja]

Joel!!!! You are the man! Way to get out there and slay that lawn!

[@MyJetta18]

Great tool worked great right out of box. Saved my back saved my lawn

[@pestandlawnginja]

Great to hear!

[@rickrogers2649]

Just started overseed project today about 2.5K . Used my greenworks and a garden weasel to break up the surface a bit, also bought a peat moss roller for top dressing. Saves a lot of peat moss and pays for itself quickly.Hoping for good results with my cheap tools. Thanks for teaching us DIY ers so much. Congrats on 40k subs !! I said a while back that you would have 100K subs soon. I stand by that prediction.

[@pestandlawnginja]

Really appreciate all the support Rick!!!! Sounds like your project is going well! Hitting 100k would be awesome. For some reason I want that stupid youtube plaque

[@businessnik]

The SunJoes have been out of stock this year, and mine finally came in! I used a dethatching rake on 5000 sqft, I'll never do it again!

[@pestandlawnginja]

great feedback. its not for the faint of heart

[@mikekosar6135]

Lol..lots of clean up 🧹

[@andrea.rivers]

I used the dethatch rake on my tiny section of front yard. Got a work out. So much debris for such a small section. Added some good top soil and fert and now lawn now looks freaking amazing. I've been learning so much the last couple of seasons. I think next year it's all going to come together.

[@pestandlawnginja]

Nice!!!! You'll do awesome! Next year is yours to slay

[@steviem5279]

As always, a great job!! I have roughly 5000 square feet of lawn and over a four day period I used my dethatch rake to get at the debris, I did a little each day but, I ended up filling 6 of those 40 gallon contractor garbage bags full of the debris. Its amazing how much of it a lawn has. I just ordered the Sun Joe scarifier/detatcher and looking forward to seeing how that machine works and when I do get it, I will scarify and then overseed the lawn and see where it takes me.

[@pestandlawnginja]

You'll love it Stevie. It's the gift that keeps on giving

[@lisanelson6661]

Stevie M - those debris make a great compost ingredient! If you're anywhere near Bountiful, I'll come get them if you aren't going to use them.

[@steviem5279]

@@lisanelson6661 I'm in New York so, I think I'm a bit far away. I usually compost leaves, grass, and other things but, my grass had fungus issues this year and I don't know if the fungus is bad for the compost or not.

[@Greg29]

Picked up the Sun Joe a few weeks ago and will finally be using it this weekend before I overseed, can't wait to see how much debris and thatch it kicks up.

[@pestandlawnginja]

You'll love it Greg!!!

[@theoalex474]

I bought a Sun Joe a few weeks ago. I finally got to use it yesterday when I top dressed and over seeded my lawn. My lawn was thin and the dirt was very visible. I had no clue that I was going to pull the amount of debri/thatch that I pulled out. I used the sweeper attachment first going both vertically and horizontally with hand raking in between. I then used the scarifier in the same manor. I put down peat moss, top soil, black beauty tall fescue and starter fertilizer. The lawn looks a bit beaten up now, but I know that over the next few weeks there will be a major transformation. Thanks for all of your lawn tips!

[@pestandlawnginja]

I call it the 6 weeks better homes and garden plan. It'll turn out great. Great job putting the work in.

[@Dpixtion]

I did this too a few moths ago, looked so bad thought I did it wrong, but looked so good after about 5 weeks, then some moles moved in to the yard.. Now i'm doing it all again.

[@pestandlawnginja]

Now you have a chance to excel in another area!!!!

[@Rogerschemdry]

@@Dpixtion Now buy the Sun Joe Shotgun. Dosen't work real good on the moles, but it sure is fun

[@troutman1951]

Just bought the Sunjoe and it worked perfect!

[@pestandlawnginja]

They're pretty awesome!

[@WittyOneMN]

Pest and Lawn Ginga, thanks for all the awesome videos! I'm up in Northern Minnesota and a lawn freak...which is a bit of a oxymoron. Lol. Shrew moles are my nemesis every winter. Come spring my time spent on the lawn is to attempt to undo their damage. Last fall I spread a mole deterrent on 1/2 my lawn. It helped quite a bit but still had some tunnels and a couple of "nests" on the treated areas. The non-treated areas? They built a freaking corn maze from hell. Lol. Anywho, rented a Ryan Dethatcher and hit up part of the treated lawn that had mole damage. I can put up 225lbs 3x bench press (female, before you give me any crapiola) and that Ryan rental was a BEEEEAST! I'd rather run an aerator anyday and those are no joy ride. Only got 1/8 of my yard done. I'm down to dirt in the mole areas. Argh!! Returned the rental and based upon your rec, I ordered a Sun Joe. It gets here on Tues...feels like my birthday, Christmas and Mother's Day! 😁 In the meantime, I've been just raking all the dead grass, snow mold etc and have loaded up 5/33 gal bags. Can't wait to see what the Sun Joe brings up. My lawn is THICK at the end of the summer. I fertilize 3x (Memorial Day, 4th July and shortly after Labor Day). I usually overseed in the Fall. I bag every other mow. I've watched your other videos on when to fertilize and/or seed. I plan on putting down about 1" of black dirt in the area that is dirt bc of the moles and seeding. But for my situation ,do you recommend seeding the entire lawn (I'm considering using the scarifier)? Or should I just fertilize the rest of the lawn and pray for the best? Also, do you recommend hand raking to "fluff up" the lawn (grass is squished down from all the snow etc) prior to using the Sun Joe? Or can I just head on in without "fluffing"? Sorry for the hellaciously long comment. But I wanted to give you props for answering the same question multiple times in the comment section. I guess not everyone reads the comments to see if their question has already been answered. 😊 But I would lose my "stuff" if I were answering the same question over and over and you don't. You're a patient Ginga! Good on you! ( but whew) 😁 Thanks again!!

[@pestandlawnginja]

for moles I recommend talparid shareasale.com/m-pr.cfm?merchantid=43235&userid=2147196&productid=500756552&afftrack= The sun joe dethatcher is so non invasive you should be fine jumping right in to help remove the debris and get the lawn in proper order. however if the lawn is long I would hand rake those areas first then mow then use the sun joe. Hope that helps! sounds like you're doing an awesome job! Keep slaying that lawn!

[@edwarddouglaspierce]

Speak the truth! I spent hours with my son removing bag after bag of debris. We tried using our thatch rate but soon bought a Mantis power rake (marketed as a de thatcher). Have run it multiple times this season but cannot believe how much stuff comes up.

[@pestandlawnginja]

Nothing but the best for you Edward!!! Its the worst job ever. But super rewarding

[@andrewwilken9725]

Been subscribed to you for a while now and I always learn something from your videos. I’ve got the sun joe dethatcher and had no clue there was a scarifier attachment for it. Thanks for more great content.

[@pestandlawnginja]

Love it! learn something new everyday.

[@mikekosar6135]

😳 “where did I put that 📦 “

[@TurfTeq]

Thanks for showing our broom dethatching! You make some great quality videos!

[@pestandlawnginja]

You're welcome! such a cool device

[@patkelly7501]

Man I have so much debris. Thanks for the content!

[@pestandlawnginja]

You're welcome pat! Now get on that lawn and show that turd who's boss

[@johnherman3261]

Ginja! Your on top of your game as always. To thatch or not to thatch that is the question? I have grass that dies off every year therefore it looks bad until I get a weed and feed on. I believe thatch and aeration is important every year and like you said if you don’t you have a great breeding area for bugs. Great job as always, stay safe

[@pestandlawnginja]

Thanks John! Best of luck in 2020

[@TEXAS_4U]

My neighbor let me use his sun dethatcher him or I have never used one before so we both did it wrong 😂😒 after watching a few of your videos we know how now thank you very much 😊😁

[@pestandlawnginja]

You gotta fail sometimes in order to succeed. At the end of the day it's only grass. Nice job getting out there and doing it!

[@losttheplot26]

Thanks Ginger. Just got a MTD VE 40 electric power rake verticutter. Powerful and light weight. Fair deck 40cm. I've thrown the belt couple of times going a bit to deep I thought then I realized that there was dried up soil hindering the machine.

[@pestandlawnginja]

awesome! Glad its working out well for you

[@disappointedfan4452]

Slice seeder is by far my favorite tool. It performs two jobs at the same time: de thatches and seeds. I have gotten my BEST results seeding with that equipment

[@pestandlawnginja]

That's awesome to hear. The one I rented was super slow and it was a pain to calibrate. I'm sure there's some awesome equipment out there I haven't tried.

[@jonathanheacker1970]

Enjoyed watching your video. I learned a lot from it.

[@pestandlawnginja]

Glad it was helpful!

[@starpartyguy5605]

A couple years ago my lawn was hit by grubs, destroying half of my 10k foot lawn. In order to get seed down to the soil to restore it, I had to remove enough of the debris to get down to the dirt. I used a tow behind rake. Only cost $100 new at Lowe's. Does a fair bit of damage to existing grass but my goodness it pulled out a lot of dead debris. I got 16 lawn bags of debris out of it and could have gotten more. Lawn looks great now.

[@pestandlawnginja]

Great way to do it! well done!

[@Dale37]

Hell yeah, Ginja! You're the man with the grass plan. Nice educational video.

[@pestandlawnginja]

Thanks Dale!!!! Appreciate you commenting and watching the videos

[@huddy32]

I have watched tons of your videos.. I never knew you had dainty women’s ankles

[@pestandlawnginja]

Totally hahahaha

[@huddy32]

@@pestandlawnginja enjoy the videos, you have helped me tremendously on my yard.

[@rxlo1062]

Excellent video 👍👍👍

[@pestandlawnginja]

Thanks!

[@jessemathis9728]

Great advice!! Now I know which tools and method to use this season.

[@pestandlawnginja]

Glad it was helpful!

[@jmax5105]

Thanks for putting these out here for all of us! Great info!

[@pestandlawnginja]

You're welcome jason!

[@jefchaplin6205]

That's some great information right there, thanks for sharing your knowledge Ginja, appreciate your work. 👍😎

[@pestandlawnginja]

You're welcome jef!!! Thanks again for watching and commenting

[@jamesturner9858]

Thanks very much, for your explanation. I was somewhat of confused between thatch and lawn debris. I’m glad I got a Sunjoe.

[@pestandlawnginja]

Sun Joe for the win! You'll love it. Really makes the job so much easier.

[@jamesturner9858]

Pest and Lawn Ginja I need a little help, yesterday while detaching and scarifying I noticed grubs. I was planning on aeration and overseeding my lawn. What should I do. I picked up a bag of grub killer from the big box store. Can I put this down along with new seeds and fertilizer and tenacity?

[@pestandlawnginja]

You should be fine. I don't see any chance of it interrupting the seed germination.

[@grassthief1280]

STUDENT of the LAWN GINGA 🎯

[@pestandlawnginja]

Ahhh yeah! GHD direct

[@Tyler-fx5ws]

Great video found your channel now I will get nothing done today lol. Gained another subscriber here!

[@pestandlawnginja]

I know the feeling 😂😂😂

[@jaymarbs]

Any plans to do a fall/winter prep video? Something for us noobs that helps us start the spring off right?

[@pestandlawnginja]

Fantastic suggestion Jay! I'll get er done soon

[@toddy9141]

Please do 😎

[@pestandlawnginja]

I'll get right on it

[@Mikebike68]

I removed pretty much all of my thatch with the Green works power rake two directions after what appeared as a scalping to 2.5” (lawn usually lives between 3.5 /4 to 5.5/6.5 depending on where in the lawn ”) went back with the manual rake getting even more while piling it up for removal. Lawn looks like crap now. Looked great before 😬 About to overseed though. If I can get good germination it should be worth it but the weather heated back up in KC so now I’m baulking at putting it down 🤦🏻‍♂️

[@Mikebike68]

Lawn looks destroyed lol It was so green before There is a lot of brown now

[@pestandlawnginja]

if you're worried send me some pics on facebook. be sure to water well and put some quick release fertilizer down to force some growth. It'll look like a bad hair day for a few weeks. Pretty normal.

[@briangallant5973]

Great video! Lots of information for me.

[@pestandlawnginja]

Awesome brian. Really appreciate you watching

[@rafaelmartinez2954]

Very informative video , awesome job 👍

[@pestandlawnginja]

Thanks for watching Rafael!!!

[@skyworlka]

@Ginja I’ve got shattered fluorescent light tubes in my lawn. Would that powerbroom be the best thing to get it out? Thanks for your insight.

[@pestandlawnginja]

Probably would! It would be worth a try. This may sound dumb but use a shop vacuum as well.

[@skyworlka]

I was able to vacuum up a lot but I can’t see where it all is & I’ve noticed bits also buried. Thanks for replying.

[@pestandlawnginja]

@@skyworlka I can only imagine how frustrating that must be. I think the powerbroom will be your best bet.

[@chrisfossum1499]

Fantastic video. Love the content. Having all of this info in one place is great.

[@pestandlawnginja]

Thanks Chris!!!! Onward and upward

[@cranjismcbasketball2118]

i was gonna remove debris from my lawn today but.... I didnt have the tine! 🤣🤣🤣

[@pestandlawnginja]

👊😂 🎖

[@byronb.]

Power broom?? Didn't know that beast existed!

[@pestandlawnginja]

It's pretty awesome

[@jerrybailey4413]

Can you use broom on bobcat

[@twipplanner2472]

Hey Ginja, learned a lot, thank you. Do you recommend thatching and or scarring on St Augustine in the south?

[@pestandlawnginja]

It'll work! you have to really play with the settings. before doing anything like that use a rake and rake through some areas to see if its necessary

[@bryceglissmeyer1016]

Knowledge is power

[@pestandlawnginja]

Amen! Lets keep learning

[@zachwooton1]

Very helpful, thank you!

[@pestandlawnginja]

You're welcome Zach! Thanks for watching and commenting

[@RavensHardCore]

Congrats on 40K subscribers!!!

[@pestandlawnginja]

Thanks Mitch!!!! It's been a blast

[@RavensHardCore]

@@pestandlawnginja Happy Labor Day!

[@pestandlawnginja]

Thanks! It was great

[@WmDuck-gj9mx]

That is one Nasty Beard!

[@pestandlawnginja]

Thanks!

[@steadyeddie7453]

Odd that you state that the machine that actually removes thatch is not the Bluebird dethatcher but rather the core aerator? I see the core aerator as pulling up plugs every 6 inches or so, but leaving all the thatch inbetween each core plug hole. What am I missing?

[@LT_9]

Awesome video

[@pestandlawnginja]

Thanks!

[@RyanHawley76]

Awesome vid, Ginja! I live in the UT and after watching this I think maybe removing debris can help with some small round patches of fungus I have from last year that haven't recovered. So, I'm thinking on removing debris on my lawn mid to the end of September with my greenworks dethatcher. Is that a good time to overseed as well or should I wait until spring? Thanks!

[@pestandlawnginja]

Great question ryan. Most of us in Utah have kbg. which means in order to overseed you'll need to be 6 weeks or more before the first frost. Cutting it close right now. You can always dormant seed by placing the seed down after thanksgiving.

[@JMS7410-]

Ginja - if I have a tow behind aerator, which I have used twice so far this year, should I also buy a tow behind dethatcher or just let the aerator do its work over a few seasons? I have a 30K square foot cool season (TTTF)lawn to maintain with limited outlet access in most areas - looking for cost effective. Thank you!

[@pestandlawnginja]

I like the front end dethatcher better. It puts more pressure and gets into the soil better and it self cleans into the bag.

[@Tavycho1]

Will the scarifier also help eliminate all the bumps that I have all over the lawn? Im sold that it will help with all the thatch and debris.

[@pestandlawnginja]

I does help a tiny bit. It won't be a miracle worker.

[@robertspinoso1722]

once again, a walk-off win!

[@pestandlawnginja]

LOL love it Robert! Thanks for watching

[@SLTyPete]

Hiya! Very helpful. Now to apply in our environment... about 7100 ft in Colorado :-D I *DO* have a question below... What's special here: 1) short growing season (we're almost to avg first frost; 38 degree nights expected this week!) 2) After four years I finally learned: we dont' get thatch here. We just get a long-term buildup of dried grass clippings. At our altitude, they never compost. :( This spring I got the Sun Joe after making a big mistake (bought a "dethach blade" which simply scalped a chunk of the lawn.) The lawn looked sick for a few weeks then grew wonderfully well! My QUESTION is on timing of fall scarify/dethatch (or whatever to call it here). How much time do you think it would take bluegrass to recover with cool autumn weather (lows in low 40's to upper 30's, highs in upper 60's to upper 70's)??? Thanks heaps! PS your suggestion of the power broom is awesome. A flash flood pushed all of the "breeze" gravel into our lawn. Not easily removed :(

[@pestandlawnginja]

Hey MrPete. My area and soil is very similar to yours. I've lived in your area. Everything in this video applies to your area. Put the sun joe height higher and you'll avoid scalping the lawn. Takes 2 to 4 weeks to recover in the spring and 6 weeks mid summer.

[@SLTyPete]

@@pestandlawnginja :) How about fall recovery time? I'm going to guess similar to spring? ...2 to 4 weeks? (I scalped using that horrid "dethatching blade" on a lawn mower... didn't notice for about 10 feet. Then was horrified. But a few months later all was well.)

[@pestandlawnginja]

Main thing about fall recovery is to use a fast acting nitrogen. urea / ammonium doesn't matter.

[@SLTyPete]

I got it done... just before an amazing one-day 60+ degree drop. So much for "fall color" :) Then we had a brief break, enough to do a quick fertilize. Yep: I use nitrogen + iron. We avoid P+K -- way too much already. (Too much Ca as well.)

[@CP-rm7rz]

hi Ginja , great information. What is the root cause of lawn debris ? Fungus , drought stress ? What is the best way to avoid or limit the problem . If fungus is a primary factor, what preventative fungicide do you recommend and when ? What about mow height

[@pestandlawnginja]

The root cause is generally years and years of mowing and winter die out. The fungus eventually lives in this layer

[@pestandlawnginja]

The preventive measures I recommend is removing the debris then choosing a fungicide that's right for the type of fungus you have. Preventive fungicides I would choose propiconazole. I recommend mowing 3" or higher for the dinner months and 1" to 2" over winter

[@CP-rm7rz]

@@pestandlawnginja Ginja thanks again for all the info. PLG rejuvenation plan started in August. Lawn is really pushing, color is great. Propeat not available in NW IL but used similar products

[@alanmccormick6911]

Great video!

[@pestandlawnginja]

Thanks for watching and commenting Alan

[@uncrunch398]

Will the lower layers of thatch just break down and no longer be a problem if you use the least expensive equipment often enough to avoid leaving anything to add to it? Or leave just enough?

[@pestandlawnginja]

The thatch itself isn’t always an issue it’s the debris and yes removing the debris helps tremendously. Once the debris is removed then you can work on the top layers of the thatch layer by using the scarifier attachment. These machines are fantastic

[@ericmanning8908]

How do you feel about dethatcher blades for a lawn mower? After watching a bunch of your videos, you had me sold on a Sun Joe, but I have a decent sized lawn (120 x 120) and I'm worried about 1.) managing the cord 2.) how well it work with a 50+ foot extension cord and 3.) it taking FOREVER to do my yard with that small of a machine. I ran across a video of someone using a dethatcher blade on a lawn mower and it has me intrigued.

[@jacobjaramillo8017]

Great informative video! If I’m killing off clover and need to get rid of the clover burrs and dead clover plants could I use a de-thatcher to get it up?

[@pestandlawnginja]

It'll help but it won't get it all. but i feel like you'd be happy with the results.

[@tctulloch]

Great information. On the Sun Joe, what would the reason be for using that thatch attachment versus the scarifier? Would one be more advantageous before overseeding?

[@pestandlawnginja]

The dethatcher removes debris. The scarifier removes thatch and cuts into the ground. The scarifier is money for over seeding projects

[@tctulloch]

Cool. Would it make sense to run it with the thatch attachment to remove debris and then follow up with the scarifier prior to overseeding? Or would that be too much for the lawn?

[@pestandlawnginja]

Absolutely. That's exactly how I do it

[@jonmernick780]

thanks, this was great info

[@pestandlawnginja]

Thanks Jon. Appreciate you watching

[@PISCOMAN]

Great video! Lot’s of info. Thanx

[@pestandlawnginja]

Thank you!!!

[@DarrylHart]

Thanks a lot mate this video was so so helpful 💪 subbed.

[@pestandlawnginja]

Glad you liked it!

[@DarrylHart]

@@pestandlawnginja I did! Some great tips, thank you Ginja.

[@pestandlawnginja]

@@DarrylHart awesome! Great to have you

[@rconn4501]

Great info, Ginja! Question: Why isn't your lawn edged? 🤔 Serious question lol

[@pestandlawnginja]

not sure i'm following. i did the video on 3 or 4 different lawns. mine is crispy

[@joemarchand8313]

Hey Ginja, way to break it down so it all makes sense. I power raked my entire lawn 2 days ago. Ripped out loads of dead grass. The lawn is looking pretty rough/shocked. What's the estimated recovery time that I can expect? Should I go heavier than normal with the micros and macros?

[@pestandlawnginja]

I call it the 6 weeks to better homes and garden look. the hotter it is the longer it takes. 6 weeks is about average during the heat.

[@7yrsbadluck]

Great video! What are your thoughts on liquid products for dethacth and aeration/soil loosener?

[@pestandlawnginja]

They are very hit or miss. They attack thatch well but they don't do much for lawn debris IMO. If you use the liquid dethatchers and apply a 21.0.0 granular they work much better. If you remove the lawn debris first they also work much better.

[@callmefrog76]

Will we be seeing any vids on the lawn renovations you’ve got going? We have to know 😁

[@pestandlawnginja]

Yes! Working on it!

[@benjammin5782]

Great video! Why does the lawn debris build up like that? I had a ton of that. I pulled up a bunch with that same rake. I think it caused the turf to be very weak because now the lawn got taken over by spurge, nutsedge, and crabgrass.

[@pestandlawnginja]

It commonly happens from debris falling from the mower that is too big.

[@thomashermann4228]

Great videos! Keep it up!

[@pestandlawnginja]

Thanks for watching and commenting Thomas! appreciate the support!

[@shashmi324]

Hey, after the mechanical aeration, should you overseed right away or let the plugs break down? Thank you this was very informative!

[@pestandlawnginja]

I commonly drop the seed right away

[@tj_gsomething_]

Based on your recommendation I got my sun joe dethatcher today! aaaaaand it's snowing in Cleveland mid April :'(

[@pestandlawnginja]

LOL snow happens! You'll be ready to slay that lawn!

[@sj7601]

Dude I've waited over a week to overseed after scarifying with the sun joe.. since we had that cold front (I'm in northern Indiana). Just waiting a few more days since Tuesday has a low below freezing and then HOPEFULLY I can finally overseed and put down starter fertilizer. My lawn looks a bit sad after scarifying and I want to get the color/stripes back! I even bought 4 sprinklers and 2 additional hoses just for this lol. The sun joe picked so much thatch up though, it was ridiculous. I only did 2 passes over most of my lawn, but it could have used another 2. Can't wait to see the results after everything recovers! FYI, watch out for objects in your yard like the thing for water that has a metal cover in some lawns (I'm not sure what the proper term is lol).. but I learned that I had one when the sun joe hit it.. scared the hell out of me I thought some how I hit a gas line (not that it goes that deep). Luckily I heard it and stopped it right away --- did not do any damage :)

[@tj_gsomething_]

@@sj7601 Thanks for the tips! I'm in Cleveland so I feel your cold front pain. Is it ok to wait over a week after scarifying to lay seed? Or should you redo it just before?

[@sj7601]

@@tj_gsomething_ ​ I just asked him that as I was wondering the same thing lol. He said as long as you can see the soil when folding back the grass then it's fine otherwise may need to put peat moss down

[@pestandlawnginja]

Thanks for your feedback and tips. you the man

[@toddy9141]

Hi from the uk Regarding your sun joe (over here it looks like exactly the same as mine, but it’s called a qualcast) 🤷🏼‍♂️ Anyhoo it’s coming to autumn now (fall) and I’m about to scarify my front lawn. My question is, would it be worth while using the tine attachment then the scarifying blade, or just go straight in with the blades? I will be aerating, top dressing the lawn and overseeding also. O my lawn (new house for us) is sat on clay, and old owners not really taken care of it, so it’s compacted. My long term goal it to improve the soil by dressing the lawn (more organics) over the years, rather than strip the turf, tilling and returfing. Slowly slowly catch a monkey n all that. Cheers and thanks for the advice n tips so far in your vids. 👍🏻

[@pestandlawnginja]

Hello Wee Man! I prefer to run the tine dethatcher first then move on to the scarifier. I find the lawn debris is much lighter than the thatch the scarifier pulls up. Makes for an easier cleanup in my opinion.

[@JoNathanB1976]

With a warm season bermuda lawn in Alabama, I have been thinking about using the SunJoe for a pre-Spring or early Spring cleanup next year, about the time I would apply preemergent. Of course, I hear you stressing that it should be done during the growing season, so it is checking me if this is still a good idea. Any thoughts?

[@pestandlawnginja]

If the lawn is in stress you can do it anytime. It will just prolong the recovery when it's hotter and not growing as well.

[@kevinleese8325]

Awesome video!!

[@pestandlawnginja]

Thanks Kevin!

[@bobbaurhyte8281]

I had a nice lawn here until it turned hot and humid in mid July. i believe I've watered too much too late in the morning and now I have brown spots which are a result of Rhizoctonia fungus. Will cut back on watering. What about power raking? This has never been gone in the 8 years my lawn has been in.

[@pestandlawnginja]

I prefer dethatching and I'm a huge advocate of it.

[@r0bd]

Is there anything you shouldn't do to the lawn during its recovery period, after power raking?

[@pestandlawnginja]

Shouldn’t do? Limiting herbicides will help

[@matthewdieter2970]

Hello there! Great videos! I’m near Chicago and was planning on using the sun joe this weekend. Would you recommend waiting until fall?

[@yardmama3660]

Ok great vid, but think this overwhelmed me a little. I have Centipede grass and I’m in the Deep South. I have thick, dense turf. It is spongey and prob could use a core aeration by then. Spring. Which would be your choice? Love your vids.

[@pestandlawnginja]

If it's not broke don't fix it. centipede is sensitive.

[@lettermanstud]

Are there any topical treaments for lawns that are over clay to help get rid of the clay and make soil quality better? (for plants and shrubs too?)

[@pestandlawnginja]

best thing to do is an aerification with sand

[@dannynguyen76]

Ginja, is it a good time to do dethatch the Bermuda grass now? I live in Dallas, Texas, temperature still around 90. TIA.

[@pestandlawnginja]

spring time is best using a vertimower. You can still do it now but you'll need a good recovery fertilizer to make sure it bounces back.

[@lsturbointeg]

awesome video Lawn Ginja! so I overseeded and it's starting to germinate. how long do I have to wait before I cut the grass because the existing lawn I did cut down to 2" but now it's almost 5"! how long before I can mow?

[@pestandlawnginja]

I commonly wait 3 to 5 weeks before the first mow. longer wait for KBG

[@lsturbointeg]

ugh this is going to be brutal! worst case scenario my HOA puts a letter on my door right lol!

[@pestandlawnginja]

hahaha, they might put you into time out

[@KalliergoGroup]

What city are you in? Farmington?

[@pestandlawnginja]

I'm in Utah county. Farmington is beautiful though

[@JM.TheComposer]

Great video! Can you please clarify regarding the SunJoe dethatcher: Should you dethatch first and scarify second? Or should you just pick one only?

[@pestandlawnginja]

I prefer to dethatch then scarify

[@JM.TheComposer]

@@pestandlawnginja thank you for the fast response!

[@ejordan74]

So aerating is dethatching and everything else is power raking?

[@pestandlawnginja]

aeration does remove thatch. dethatching and power raking remove debris, scarifying removes thatch.

[@steves8860]

I have the Sun Joe and like it. I question whether or not I should rent an aerator when fall comes around and I want to put seed down. Any thoughts on using an when to aerator vs. the Sun Joe scarifier?

[@pestandlawnginja]

the scarifier is fantastic. and if you don't have soil compaction issues it works incredibly well.

[@chrislambe400]

Where does all the dead grass come from. If you mow and catch and dispose then you have no debris problem? What about mowing robots that cut every day? Do they turn the lawn into a rotting compost? But If I mow and catch and dispose, am I not just slowly turning the top soil infertile?

[@pestandlawnginja]

Over extended periods of time you'll accumulate debris even when bagging. the bags don't catch everything or even as much as one would suppose. The brilliance of the mowing machines are they will go out daily and cut such a small amount off the top. Mulching is indeed the best thing to do to the lawn when you're doing it right.

[@TJAllard]

Love your videos, thanks for all the help. I have a Ryobi 480ex riding lawn mower. I can attach a front time dethatch but it's double the price of the to behind. Is it worth it. Basically I need to dethatch, clear debris and aerate my lawn. Is there 1 device out there that I can but that had interchangeable parts so I don't need to but multiple pieces of equipment. Not too much storage. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Big fan!

[@pestandlawnginja]

Heres my 2c. I love the front end dethatchers because they naturally apply force to the dethatcher. The debris is uprooted than you mow over the clippings as its fluffy. Makes cleanup slower but more effective in my opinion.

[@JMH682Hav]

Hey Ginja... love the channel need a bit of advice ... so I live in Ohio I used the Scott’s weed and feed for fall orangish bag... typically I set my broadcast to half and walk east to west and then north to south to not cause fert stripes in my yard ... today I set the spreader to the recommended 3.5 and did what I normally do... I ended up getting distracted and forgot to set it to 1.75 ... I have a blend of perennial rye and bluegrass and now I’m afraid of fert burn.... should I be worried or not ... did it tonight before dark. Want your advice and thoughts.... regards John

[@pestandlawnginja]

I recommend you do some math. take the first number on the bag and divide it by 100. That will tell you how many lbs of product it takes per 1000ft2 to get to 1lbs of n. I find you are commonly safe if you stay under 1.25lbs of N per 1000ft2. If you went above that water heavily and apply some sodium knockout made by growth products. follow it up with humates and calcium applications.

[@imadish5356]

Dang. One week too late! Hours and hours watching and re-watching your other videos and we stripped debris and ran a rented aerator last week. Laid lime, gypsum, soil on spots, and top seeded. Would humic acid now be a good idea or should we wait? We have PNW pottery clay for soil and are on the acidic side of things, but we're working on it!!!! Thanks!

[@pestandlawnginja]

I love humates, sea kelp, and calcium and do it now. sounds like you've done everything but the humates. You can lay humates down anytime of the year.

[@winnipegnick]

I have a Yardworks dethatcher and was wondering if there's a way to Add more dethaching tines? I know you can buy replacement tines, but I want to Add more. I just know when I go accidentally hit a rock or sidewalk they break easily. If I had double the amount, that would be better. Maybe a DIY project this summer? Also, is there a way to turn my Yardworks into a scarifier, like the Sunjo? I was looking at Sun Joe website and there's no replacement scarifier part.

[@pestandlawnginja]

To be upfront I've never used one. Most of the yardworks materials are not able to be rigged. The replacement scarifier is listed as a "drum kit"

[@winnipegnick]

@@pestandlawnginja -What site did you see the "drum kit"? I could not find it anywhere..

[@pestandlawnginja]

amzn.to/2t5GydC Hopefully I understood your question right. Yard works doesn't sell one but sun joe does.

[@mattm3393]

Thanks for this, ordered the sun joe I was about to grab a standard electric one but the bonus scarifier is great. Question, I’m in the PNW and have moss, I plan to spray it wait a week, then use the dethatcher followed by the scarifier before over seeding and fertilizing. I assume that’s the correct order?

[@pestandlawnginja]

Great question matt. You'll want to use that dethatcher attachment monthly followed up by an iron app of ferrous sulfate in that order.

[@coreystopperan9555]

Any recommendation of a dethatching blade attachment??

[@pestandlawnginja]

they're all mower specific. they either work perfect or they tare up the lawn hard core.

[@dmack346]

Ok so I just used my thatch rake to remove what I thought was thatch but after watching this video now know it was debris ie old dead grass🤦🏾‍♂️ I don’t have a large lawn so should I get the dual machine you used at the end of this video or just continue to use my thatch rake?

[@pestandlawnginja]

I'm all about the sun joe. Makes life easy. I've given it a beating too. still works great

[@dmack346]

Pest and Lawn Ginja i clicked on your link and ordered it. Thanks. And thanks for all of the great content you put out. 🙌🏿

[@pestandlawnginja]

Thanks Dee!!! super kind of you to think of me

[@bryceglissmeyer1016]

Hey Ginja. My front yard is all KBG and it has a debris problem. I have to use my SunJoe (with the tines at -10 mm) at least 3 times per season in the spring, summer and fall because of all the dead grass that makes my lawn have a brown tint (btw, I always bag and never mulch). The front yard gets little to no shade during the daylight hours and I constantly check with the soil probe to make sure I am watering at least 1" per week. I also applied Hydretain for the first time this year, and it seems to help a little on the normal drought spots. Any recommendations on my debris problem? Thanks!

[@pestandlawnginja]

could be a few problems. 1. could be the native type of bluegrass that it is. 2. not getting enough water to sustain 3. could be a potassium deficiency and I'd highly recommend getting a soil test. 4. you're mower may just be dropping a ton of clippings without your knowledge.

[@popeyeyankee5477]

Hey Ginja. I dug up a peice of my lawn to do a soil test and I couldn't gat the shovel to go that deep. I have a lot of small skinny roots from a streetline oaktree. I did get an area of loose soil under the turf but I saw no grass roots. Do you think the tree roots are causing my lawn to brown up with thatch in July and August?

[@popeyeyankee5477]

I'm still gonna get the soil tested but I wanted to see if I should dethatch/ aerate or till the entire lawn? I'm not sure dethatching/aerateing would help with the tree roots..

[@popeyeyankee5477]

I'm not sure how an oak tree that is not on the main lawn could make my lawn look like garbage! This has been happening for the lsst three years. It looks great after I overseed in September and it starts browning up around July 4th.

[@pestandlawnginja]

It's not a common problem but i've seen large trees suck up water and nutrients to the point the grass in those areas needed 2x the amount of water. It's frustrating because the rest of the lawn needs a normal amount. The dirt will tell you whats going on. I would first check the sprinkler coverage.

[@thesugarlipslove]

hi, as someone who is new to this, i have recently bought a petrol version of the scarifier/aerator. my lawn has never been treated so i believe i have both debris and thatch. do i need to first rake for debris using the spring tines then use the metal cassette to detatch, or will just using the detatcher be enough? i was planning to overseed afterwards. thanks

[@pestandlawnginja]

Dethatcher first. You'll need to do a few passes until the debris stops coming up then run the scarifier

[@danielfruh8591]

So would the Sun Joe Scarifier/Dethatcher be a good alternative to renting a professional dethatcher and aerator? Id like to buy one anyway. Our new house has a lawn that is matted with dead grass and splotches of living grass. Very compact top layer, from the dead grass and thatch layer.

[@pestandlawnginja]

The sunjoe is a fantastic little unit. I use the dethatcher weekly and the scarifier a few times per season. I have been using it as an aeration replacement. just keep in mind that aeration is for compaction and there is a time and place for it.

[@danielfruh8591]

@@pestandlawnginja Awesome, I think I'll try to get one so that I dont have to rent those 2 units. Then I will rent an overseeder and try to get this lawn looking good! Now when using an overseeder, is peat moss necessary since it should cover the seed a bit? thank you so much for your help!

[@anthonylopez282]

Hey Ginja what do you think about the dethatch blade for lawn mowers ?

[@pestandlawnginja]

great question! They are very hit or miss. they work incredibly well or they destroy your lawn. hard to tell until you try it. be sure to get the one that is made for your exact mower.

[@JoNathanB1976]

Have you ever used or had any success with using molasses and beer as a non-mechanical way of dethatching? Supposedly an old farmer's trick.

[@pestandlawnginja]

It works so so. It works if the buildup isn't much. It also works best in the spring and late summer as the lawn starts growing more. I've never seen it fix a problem lawn though

[@enriquelondres6134]

If I buy the Sun Joe Scarifier, do you suggest using the dethatcher attachment first and then use the scarifier attachment? Do I leave it for a few days/weeks before using the next attachment? It's currently early summer here in Australia, is it too late to do it now?

[@pestandlawnginja]

I commonly dethatch first and use the scarifier after. You can do everything the same day

[@pestandlawnginja]

Best time to do it is when the grass is actively growing

[@enriquelondres6134]

Thank you very much!